Hey guys I've been a lurker for quite some time but today I figured I would finally post something myself. I'll start this post by saying I'm going to be frank about a lot of numbers. This is going to be a relatively lengthy post where I explain pretty much everything about my situation and ask for y'all to give your opinions or thoughts on what I should do, as well as a few specific questions regarding salary.
So I am 23 years old. I'm currently almost two months into my new job as a software engineer (specifically web development). I'm blessed to be in this situation, I'm making 60k a year in a relatively good work environment. It can be stressful at times but also incredibly boring at times. That said, I don't necessarily see this as a long term career. Right now the way I see it as a bare minimum I should keep doing this job until I've payed off my hefty 38k in student loans. I've had an eye for the Navy since high school when recruiters were calling my because of my ASVAB scores during my junior year.
Looking around and doing my research it looks like the age requirement for NFO (the primary/only officer position that interests me personally) is 27 commissioned, so 26 to not push it. I am also 240 pounds, so I have a lot to do in the physical department, but with the time my past experiences in exercise, (Cross Country in high school, and a triathlon) I believe if I put my mind to it I can do it. I have poor vision so Pilot is not a consideration for me. I have concerns with Push-ups because I had feet problems as a child and the posturing is awkward for me, but I think with a physical therapist I can work on that.
In regards to education and testing I do alright. I was a slacker in high school but ended up with a decent GPA. Unfortunately the slacker mentality kept with me through early college but I was able to eek out a 3.38 GPA for my B.S. in Computer Game Design and Development. Yes I know, it is a very unconventional degree but it is essentially a specialized computer science degree and most importantly it is accredited. Testing has never been incredibly hard for me (except for those upper level Math/CS courses, good lord) and the most relevant example would be the ASVAB. I didn't actually know that we were taking it that day but I ended up get a 96%, hence the contact from the recruiters. That said that was over 6-7 years ago now and I know its very different ASTB-E that I would be taking if I chose to apply for OCS. I feel like if I study extensively though I could do relatively well, honestly in regards to OCS I'm more concerned with the physical part than the academic.
My main question is, how long would it take for me to realistically get back to the pay I'm currently getting (60k) if I do end up joining after I pay off my loans. Obviously in the end its not about money but I feel it is prudent to at least factor it in. Looking at the pay chart an O-1 starts at 37k a year (3.1k a month) and an O-3 with over 4 years serving is 69k. From what I've gathered if you don't screw anything up by the end of your first 6 years (8 including schooling) you have a good chance to be O-3. While I know those numbers I understand its a bit more complicated that that. Apparently hazard pay is a thing, as well as there might be a difference on how your salary is taxed if you're in a combat zone? I'm also single so I don't have any dependents. Any clarifications would be appreciated.
Another question is signing bonuses, from my investigations that looks to be primarily an enlisted only thing? Is there any benefit/boon I would get from being in a vocation before I join? What about bonuses to stay on once my first stint is up, I heard pilot's might get big offers but is that the same for NFOs?
Also to wrap up how much of a hindrance do you think my unconventional degree will be in terms of applying for OCS? And in regards to not having a masters, will that hurt me if I want to aim for higher than O-4? I've seen some talk on here like that. If you've read all the way to the end thanks and I look forward to your replies.
So I am 23 years old. I'm currently almost two months into my new job as a software engineer (specifically web development). I'm blessed to be in this situation, I'm making 60k a year in a relatively good work environment. It can be stressful at times but also incredibly boring at times. That said, I don't necessarily see this as a long term career. Right now the way I see it as a bare minimum I should keep doing this job until I've payed off my hefty 38k in student loans. I've had an eye for the Navy since high school when recruiters were calling my because of my ASVAB scores during my junior year.
Looking around and doing my research it looks like the age requirement for NFO (the primary/only officer position that interests me personally) is 27 commissioned, so 26 to not push it. I am also 240 pounds, so I have a lot to do in the physical department, but with the time my past experiences in exercise, (Cross Country in high school, and a triathlon) I believe if I put my mind to it I can do it. I have poor vision so Pilot is not a consideration for me. I have concerns with Push-ups because I had feet problems as a child and the posturing is awkward for me, but I think with a physical therapist I can work on that.
In regards to education and testing I do alright. I was a slacker in high school but ended up with a decent GPA. Unfortunately the slacker mentality kept with me through early college but I was able to eek out a 3.38 GPA for my B.S. in Computer Game Design and Development. Yes I know, it is a very unconventional degree but it is essentially a specialized computer science degree and most importantly it is accredited. Testing has never been incredibly hard for me (except for those upper level Math/CS courses, good lord) and the most relevant example would be the ASVAB. I didn't actually know that we were taking it that day but I ended up get a 96%, hence the contact from the recruiters. That said that was over 6-7 years ago now and I know its very different ASTB-E that I would be taking if I chose to apply for OCS. I feel like if I study extensively though I could do relatively well, honestly in regards to OCS I'm more concerned with the physical part than the academic.
My main question is, how long would it take for me to realistically get back to the pay I'm currently getting (60k) if I do end up joining after I pay off my loans. Obviously in the end its not about money but I feel it is prudent to at least factor it in. Looking at the pay chart an O-1 starts at 37k a year (3.1k a month) and an O-3 with over 4 years serving is 69k. From what I've gathered if you don't screw anything up by the end of your first 6 years (8 including schooling) you have a good chance to be O-3. While I know those numbers I understand its a bit more complicated that that. Apparently hazard pay is a thing, as well as there might be a difference on how your salary is taxed if you're in a combat zone? I'm also single so I don't have any dependents. Any clarifications would be appreciated.
Another question is signing bonuses, from my investigations that looks to be primarily an enlisted only thing? Is there any benefit/boon I would get from being in a vocation before I join? What about bonuses to stay on once my first stint is up, I heard pilot's might get big offers but is that the same for NFOs?
Also to wrap up how much of a hindrance do you think my unconventional degree will be in terms of applying for OCS? And in regards to not having a masters, will that hurt me if I want to aim for higher than O-4? I've seen some talk on here like that. If you've read all the way to the end thanks and I look forward to your replies.
